Urge your representative to co-sponsor the resolution honoring Nowruz and recognizing the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of human rights.

Norouz postcard

February 28, 2013, Washington D.C. - Representatives Henry Waxman (D-33rd/CA) and Peter Roskam (R-6th/IL) plan on introducing a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Congress recognizing the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) and acknowledging that the Cyrus Cylinder has, over the centuries, come to symbolize one of mankind's first documents on human rights.

On loan from the British Museum, the cylinder will be on display starting March 9th at the Smithsonian Institution's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C., traveling afterwards to Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

In addition to commemorating the tour of the cylinder throughout the U.S., the resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, acknowledges the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of respect for human rights and religious tolerance, and recognizes the chasm that exists between the values embodied in the cylinder and the current practices of the government of Iran.

PAAIA has urged the introduction of the Nowruz and Cyrus Cylinder resolution as part of its broader efforts to celebrate and foster greater understanding of Iranian culture, and to project an accurate and positive image of the Iranian American community. The resolution will mark the first time that members of Congress have introduced a measure recognizing the achievements of Cyrus the Great and his impact on civilization. Previously, PAAIA worked with Congressman Michael Honda (D-17th/CA) to help draft and build bipartisan support for legislation in recognition of Nowruz, which passed both chambers of Congress in March 2010.